Support for Veterans Health Care Reform and Improvements
June 24, 2009
This afternoon the House of Representatives voted to pass – with Congressman Cohen’s strong support – legislation that will secure timely health care funding for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act authorizes Congress to approve veterans’ medical care funding one year in advance to better anticipate, and meet the demand for, veterans’ health care services. The advanced funding will give the VA up to a full year to plan for the most effective and efficient way to deliver medical care.
The issue of advanced funding is a top priority for veteran service organizations. Over 40 groups, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, have come out in support of the legislation.
“Our veterans served with honor and they deserve the best services we can possibly offer – but, far too often, critical VA funding gets held hostage by politics,” Congressman Cohen said. “This bill will make it easier to address the medical needs of our veterans, ensuring they have full access to health care services even when funding is delayed.”
Congressman Cohen also supported legislation to expand services for female veterans and increase veterans’ disability payments to reflect cost-of-living increases.
The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, also passed by the House today, addresses the specific issues faced by women veterans – expanding and improving the health care services available to them making those services more accessible.
“Today, women serve in combat conditions alongside their male counterparts. This raises a whole new set of issues for veterans when they return from service,” explained Congressman Cohen. “The bill we passed today is a huge step towards providing better treatment and more accessible health services for our brave female veterans.”
The bills passed today build on a significant record of accomplishment for veterans and troops over the last two and a half years under the New Direction Congress – including the New GI Bill, progress in improving veterans’ hospitals and facilities, expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers and improving care for those with PTSD.
“This Congress made a promise to leave no veteran behind, and we are continuously working to fulfill that promise,” Congressman Cohen said. “Our veterans have already served with distinction. Now, it’s our turn to honor them and make sure they have the services they need.”
The issue of advanced funding is a top priority for veteran service organizations. Over 40 groups, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, have come out in support of the legislation.
“Our veterans served with honor and they deserve the best services we can possibly offer – but, far too often, critical VA funding gets held hostage by politics,” Congressman Cohen said. “This bill will make it easier to address the medical needs of our veterans, ensuring they have full access to health care services even when funding is delayed.”
Congressman Cohen also supported legislation to expand services for female veterans and increase veterans’ disability payments to reflect cost-of-living increases.
The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, also passed by the House today, addresses the specific issues faced by women veterans – expanding and improving the health care services available to them making those services more accessible.
“Today, women serve in combat conditions alongside their male counterparts. This raises a whole new set of issues for veterans when they return from service,” explained Congressman Cohen. “The bill we passed today is a huge step towards providing better treatment and more accessible health services for our brave female veterans.”
The bills passed today build on a significant record of accomplishment for veterans and troops over the last two and a half years under the New Direction Congress – including the New GI Bill, progress in improving veterans’ hospitals and facilities, expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers and improving care for those with PTSD.
“This Congress made a promise to leave no veteran behind, and we are continuously working to fulfill that promise,” Congressman Cohen said. “Our veterans have already served with distinction. Now, it’s our turn to honor them and make sure they have the services they need.”
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________________________
Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
steven.broderick@mail.house.gov
Issues:Veterans' Affairs